Nerve
Trigeminal ganglion
Sensory cell bodies for most trigeminal afferents
High-yield
The motor root joins V3 without a ganglionic relay. V1 and V2 have no trigeminal skeletal motor component, whereas V3 carries both sensory fibers and motor output.
Overview
The trigeminal ganglion occupies Meckel's cave near the petrous apex, lateral to the cavernous sinus. Its pseudounipolar neurons connect peripheral territories of V1, V2 and V3 with the sensory brainstem pathways. An important exception is the proprioceptive population whose cell bodies lie in the mesencephalic nucleus. The separate motor root bypasses the ganglion.
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Reference facts
- Origin
- Pseudounipolar neurons whose peripheral axons enter the three divisions and whose central axons form most of the large sensory root.
- Course
- Within the dural recess of Meckel's cave on the anterior petrous region, beside the cavernous sinus; the divisions extend from its anterior margin.
- Motor
- No skeletal motor relay. The trigeminal motor root passes separately and joins the mandibular division.
- Sensory
- Most facial, anterior-scalp, corneal, dental, oral, nasal and cranial-dural somatosensory input. Cervical nerves supply exceptions such as skin over the mandibular angle.
Mnemonic
Division openings: V1 - superior orbital fissure; V2 - rotundum; V3 - ovale.
Clinical correlation
Trigeminal neuralgia causes brief attacks of severe, shock-like facial pain. Classical disease is associated with neurovascular compression of the root; secondary and idiopathic forms also occur. Pain in a trigeminal territory does not prove a lesion within this ganglion.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the trigeminal ganglion arise?
Pseudounipolar neurons whose peripheral axons enter the three divisions and whose central axons form most of the large sensory root.
What muscles does the trigeminal ganglion supply?
No skeletal motor relay. The trigeminal motor root passes separately and joins the mandibular division.
What is the sensory distribution of the trigeminal ganglion?
Most facial, anterior-scalp, corneal, dental, oral, nasal and cranial-dural somatosensory input. Cervical nerves supply exceptions such as skin over the mandibular angle.
What is the course of the trigeminal ganglion?
Within the dural recess of Meckel's cave on the anterior petrous region, beside the cavernous sinus; the divisions extend from its anterior margin.